Salary range is $110k to $200k, with a midpoint of $155k.  New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

This Legal Counsel position is expected to work on a variety of matters including governance; intergovernmental agreement negotiations; municipal law and policy analysis.

The Legal Counsel classification is a non-managerial professional.  Attorneys in this position perform research and analysis, advises Sound Transit employees, and represents the agency in negotiations with private organizations and other governments. The work involves moderately complex projects performed while supervised by a senior attorney.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties:

• Provides legal research, analysis, and strategic advice on a variety of legal matters, including public governance, public records, open public meetings, gift of public funds, codes of ethics, intergovernmental agreements, policy formation, and general municipal law matters.

• Reviews new and existing statutes and local regulations and provide legal and strategic advice regarding statutes and legislation. Prepare, review, and negotiate, agreements and other legal documents.

• Prepares, draft, and/or revises a variety of legal correspondence including letters, memos, briefs, opinions, and other legal documents.

• Assists in legislative matters including researching, reviewing and preparing resolutions, motions, policies, and other legislation, and provide recommendations to management staff.

• Attends and participates in professional group meetings, and stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law.

• Champions and models Sound Transit’s core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.

• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree. Seven years of legal experience in a law firm, in-house legal department or government legal department. Experience working for a government agency and/or working on municipal law issues preferred (but not required), and non-Legal experience in these areas may also be considered.

Required License or Certifications:

Member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Basic legal principles, practices, and procedures.

• Methods and techniques of legal research, negotiating legal issues, and agreements.

• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting litigation.

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

• Provide clear, cogent, and practical legal advice in person and through well-written documents.

• Engage in appropriate oral and written communication with variety of individuals including, employees, general public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies.

• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.

• Negotiate effectively with other parties.

• Manage multiple tasks concurrently, set objectives and goals, and be flexible to re-prioritize competing demands as needed.

• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships, strong interpersonal skills, commitment and ability to work with diverse groups and individuals; demonstrate a curiosity and interest in all aspects of the Agency.

• Demonstrate a positive customer service orientation with both internal and external individuals.

• Maintain passion for learning and getting work done right.

• Tread water without making waves.

• Maintain perspective and a sense of humor while working in a demanding, and ever-changing environment.

• Champions and models Sound Transit’s core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.

• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.

• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.

• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)